Development of an enhanced Bible study program for the spiritual nurturing of the youth in Korean Union Conference

Abstract

Contextualized Bible study is one of the most effective ways for spiritual nurturing, especially among the youth. However, many Christian churches continue giving traditional and not contextualized Bible study programs. Consequently, the youth lose interest, faith, and connection and finally drop out from church. In an attempt to find a solution to this negative phenomenon, a qualitative action research was conducted using a Bible study program for Korean teenagers. The pilot study conducted in the Philippines with Korean teenagers resulted in an enhanced Bible study curriculum. This curriculum integrates Bible knowledge with professional learning theories and research-based teaching processes. This enhanced Bible study curriculum was later implemented in Korea. The data were collected from 12 participants using interviews and 10 instructors using focus group discussion. The findings showed that the teenagers like well-prepared Bible study programs which matched well with learning strategies such as cooperative learning and practical evangelistic activities. During the implementation of this program, the participants demonstrated spiritual growth in five dimensions: (a) experience, (b) Bible knowledge, (c) faith, (d) lifestyle, and (e) witnessing. This study has implications for the development of contextualized Bible study programs that take into consideration the teenagers’ qualities, and culture, appropriate teaching strategies, and interesting Bible study materials.